The decision of opposition party PAS to publish a Chinese-language organ is a good move, said veteran Malay journalist Said Zahari, who is himself trilingual.

The former editor-in-chief of Utusan Melayu said the PAS move is long overdue, but that "it is still not too late as a meaningful beginning".

He also called on PAS leaders and activists to learn the Chinese language themselves so that they can interact and communicate more effectively with "the Chinese masses on the ground".

"In fact, all Malay political leaders and activists, whether from Umno, PAS, PKR or other parties in government or opposition should start to learn the Chinese language," he said when contacted.

"I am glad to know that there are now many more Malay Muslim children attending Chinese primary schools and some youths even further their language studies in China now."

Said, who had mastered the Chinese language in the early 1960s, said the new PAS monthly publication, Ren Min Shi Shi or Berita Rakyat Semasa, would help dismantle communication barriers between the party and the Chinese community.

"PAS has always been misunderstood by the non-Muslims, especially the Chinese, on many issues. It is time not only to communicate the party's ideas to them, but also learn to listen to them and understand their hopes and fears," he said.

Asked if it would be difficult for Malays to learn the Chinese language, Said said: "No language is easy to learn if people do not have a sense of purpose and willpower. I myself acquired the knowledge of reading and writing Chinese in only two years from fellow political prisoners in Singapore."

"One may say I had plenty of time while under detention but I was then also under tremendous psychological stress because of the threat of being detained without trial indefinitely. People today can get their Chinese-speaking friends to give them tuition once or twice a week.

"It is certainly an advantage for Malay Muslims in Malaysia to master Mandarin as it is getting increasingly important as a language of global business, trade, politics and diplomacy consequent upon the resurgence of China as a great power.

PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang will launch the publication next month.